Container seal with radio frequency identification tag, and method of making same

ABSTRACT

A container closure assembly includes a closure, an inner seal, and a radio frequency identification tag. The inner seal comprises a sealable film laminated to a metallic foil, and includes a first surface for sealing engagement with a container sealing surface, and a second, opposed surface for non-scaling engagement with a backing liner, a facing liner, or a glued-in closure liner. The radio frequency identification tag includes a microprocessor electrically coupleable with an antenna for receiving, storing, and transmitting digitized information. The inner seal minimizes migration of fluids between a container interior volume and an exterior of a container when the inner seal is sealingly engaged with a container sealing surface. The radio frequency identification tag is includable in the closure assembly without the closure assembly electromagnetically interfering with the receiving, storing, or transmitting of the digitized information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Applications No. 61/323,915,filed Apr. 14, 2010, and No. 61/360,550, filed Jul. 1, 2010, each ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a container closure assembly having an integralradio frequency identification tag.

2. Description of the Related Art

Closable containers are utilized for a multitude of household andcommercial products. Closures, such as threaded and flip-top caps,hinged closures, dispensing closures, and the like, are installed afterfilling the container with a selected product. Closures can have arelatively simple structure, or can include multi-layered linersproviding selected functionality. A finished closure assembly may be amulti-part assembly, and may include, for example, a hard-shelled outerclosure adapted for reclosable engagement with a container, one or morecushioning liners (also referred to as “wadding”), sealable films,desiccant inserts, and the like.

Container closure assemblies can be fabricated utilizing differentprocesses. A specialty closure manufacturer may handle the entireprocess from raw materials to end product. Alternatively, fabrication ofcontainer closure assemblies may be handled by several specialtymanufacturers. For example, closures may be produced and supplied as astand-alone product by a manufacturer specializing in injection molding.If the closures are to utilize a liner, a liner fabricator may producethe liners and install them in the closures. Alternatively, closures andliners may be fabricated and provided separately to the manufacturer ofthe product destined for the container or to a specialty containerfilling operation, which assembles the closures and liners, and installsthe assembled closure assemblies on the filled containers. The closuresand liners may also be provided separately to a closure assemblyoperation, which assembles and supplies finished closure assemblies tothe product manufacturer or filling operation. The entire process fromfabrication to installation can involve numerous steps conducted byseveral different operators at several different locations, which mayinvolve several packaging and transportation steps. All of this may addto the cost ultimately borne by the end-user, thereby increasing thevalue of the product enclosed by a container and closure assembly.

Many products, such as pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, personal careproducts, household chemicals, and the like, may require protectionagainst air and moisture while in a container. It is known that ametallic liner, such as an aluminum foil, is typically less permeable toair and moisture than a polymeric liner. Thus, closure assemblies mayalso include functionalities that impede the migration of air andmoisture into the interior of the container.

Manufacturers, distributors, transporters, retailers, and/or end-usersmay wish to monitor or identify containers at various points throughoutthe distribution process. Furthermore, end-users typically expect someassurance that the purchased contents of a container are as advertisedand produced by the manufacturer. Thus, closure assemblies may alsoinclude functionalities that prevent or signal unintended orunauthorized access to the contents of the container. Specializedsealing liners, often referred to as “tamper-proof seals” or“tamper-evident seals,” can be installed over the filled containeropening. Such seals are adapted so that the seal must be removed,destroyed, or distorted to gain initial access to the contents, thusindicating that tampering may have taken place. Nevertheless, tamperingagents can replace or recreate a sealing liner so expertly that thedeception may very likely be undiscovered.

Tampering can be minimized by controlling the transportation and storageof the filled containers. Radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tagsmay be utilized to track containers and provide information concerningthe products carried therein, such as the name of the product, itslocation and date of manufacture, an expiration date, an identificationnumber, and the like. RFID tags typically consist of a microchip ormicroprocessor that can store such information, electrically coupledwith an antenna. The antenna can receive an actuation signal from aremote transmitter and convey the signal to the microprocessor, to whichthe microprocessor can respond by transmitting stored informationthrough the antenna to a remote reader. The microprocessor and theantenna can be mounted to a supporting substrate, which can include alabel or wrapper, for extension along the exterior of the containerand/or closure assembly.

RFID tags are frequently fabricated by a specialty RFID tag manufacturerthat acquires the substrate material and microprocessors, and attachesthe antennae and microprocessors to the substrate. The tag manufacturermay also add to the substrate information typically printed on a productlabel. The substrate/label can then be affixed to the exterior of thecontainer and/or closure assembly. Alternatively, the productmanufacturer may print and attach the product labels incorporating theRFID tags.

RFID tags may also be pre-encoded, unencoded, or omitted from thecontainer and/or closure assembly. This may further complicate closureassembly fabrication and container filling by requiring that thefabricator responsible for adding the RFID tags to the final containerand/or closure assembly perform additional operations on the RFID tags,such as encoding, verification, quality control, and the like. This canlead to inefficiencies and increased costs, and can complicatecustomization of the RFID tags.

Locating the RFID tag beneath a closure assembly can enhance protectionof the tag during the shipping and handling process. However, should anRFID tag contact a metallic liner, the tag may be rendered completelyinoperative, or the operational radius of the RFID tag may besignificantly reduced. Polymeric liners do not suffer from thislimitation. However, as discussed above, the higher permeability ofpolymeric liners may render their use undesirable.

Composite liners have been developed that consist of a metallic antennaportion coupled with a microprocessor, and a polymeric portion forappropriately isolating the microprocessor and optimizing theperformance of the RFID tag. While in many cases satisfactoryperformance of the RFID tag can be provided with this configuration, thecomposite liner is more permeable in those areas without an overlyingmetallic liner, effectively rendering the entire sealing linerrelatively permeable, and thereby defeating the purpose of a metallicliner.

Optimizing the strength and fidelity of the transmission signal isdependent on the location of the RFID tag on or in the container. Thereare benefits to incorporating an RFID tag into the sealing liner.However, sealing liner fabrication methods may fail to accommodatesatisfactory integration of the RFID tag with the sealing liner.

Consequently, it would be advantageous to employ some means in additionto a sealing liner to more effectively guard against tampering. It wouldalso be advantageous if such a means could readily provide automatedidentification of a container and its contents to confirm that allcontainers in a shipment or lot are as expected for shipping, inventorycontrol, customer order preparation, customs inspection, and the like.In particular, automated identification can comprise part of a controlsystem that can account for each individual container during itsshipment from manufacturer to end-user. In this way, both mistakes(e.g., mislabeling) and intentional deceptions can be detected andcorrected before a product reaches an end-user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A container closure assembly includes a closure, an inner seal, and aradio frequency identification tag. The inner seal comprises a sealablefile laminated to a metallic foil, and includes a first surface forsealing engagement with a container sealing surface, and a second,opposed surface for non-sealing engagement with a backing liner, afacing liner, or a glued-in closure liner. The radio frequencyidentification tag includes a microprocessor electrically coupleablewith an antenna for receiving, storing, and transmitting digitizedinformation. The inner seal minimizes migration of fluids between acontainer interior volume and an exterior of a container when the innerseal is sealingly engaged with a container sealing surface. The radiofrequency identification tag is includable in the closure assemblywithout the closure assembly electromagnetically interfering with thereceiving, storing, or transmitting of the digitized information.

In a further embodiment, a container assembly includes a containerhaving an interior volume and an opening into the interior volume, aclosure covering the opening, and an exterior seal extending over theclosure and an upper part of the container to minimize migration ofcontent in the interior volume to an exterior of the container andcontaminants from the exterior to content in the interior volume. AnRFID tag including a microprocessor electrically coupled with an antennafor receiving, storing, and transmitting selected digitized informationis mounted between the exterior seal and the container or closurewithout electromagnetic interference with the receiving, storing, andtransmitting selected digitized information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a first exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above of a first exemplary embodimentof an RFID tag according to the invention, as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a second exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above of a second exemplary embodimentof an RFID tag according to the invention, as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a third exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view from above of a third exemplary embodimentof an RFID tag according to the invention, as shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view from above of a fourth exemplary embodimentof an RFID tag according to the invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view from above of a fifth exemplary embodimentof an RFID tag according to the invention.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a sixth exemplary embodiment according tothe invention including an RFID pull-tab liner.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a pull-tab sealing liner prior to theincorporation of an RFID device therewith.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the RFID pull-tab sealing liner of FIG.9.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a seventh exemplary embodiment of theRFID pull-tab sealing liner of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of a process of fabricating theRFID pull-tab sealing liner of FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of an eighth exemplary embodiment of aclosure assembly including an RFID tag for selective incorporation intothe closure assembly.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of a film strap comprising partof the RFID tag illustrated in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a ninth exemplary embodiment of a closureassembly including an RFID tag for selective incorporation into theclosure assembly.

FIG. 17 is a flow-chart illustrating a first embodiment of a sequence ofprocess steps for fabricating a closure assembly having an RFID tag.

FIG. 18 is a flow-chart illustrating a second embodiment of a sequenceof process steps for fabricating a closure assembly having an RFID tag.

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of a tenth exemplary embodiment of a closureassembly including an RFID tag for selective incorporation into theclosure assembly.

FIG. 20 is a partially exploded view of an eleventh exemplary embodimentof a closure assembly including an RFID tag for selective incorporationinto the closure assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Several exemplary embodiments of the invention described herein sharecommon elements. To the extent an embodiment incorporates an element ofanother embodiment described herein, a like reference character willidentify each like element, unless otherwise indicated. Moreover, anelement of an embodiment having a configuration and/or functioncomparable to that of an element associated with another embodimentdescribed herein is to be considered as operating and/or functioning ina like manner to such element associated with such other embodiment, andits description will not be repeated herein, except as otherwiseindicated.

The following terms utilized in this application are defined as:

“Closure”—a structure or a device used to close off or seal a container,such as a bottle, a jar, a tube, and the like.

“Backing Liner”—a compressible material, such as pulp or foamedpolyethylene, to which a facing liner is attached or adhered. Thiscompressible material is typically retained against the end wall innersurface of the closure, and compensates for any irregularities along thesealing surface.

“Facing Liner”—a liner material attached or adhered to, or retainedagainst, the backing liner. The facing liner can act as a barrier tochemically reactive products, particularly when an induction seal lineris not used.

“Finish”—the configuration of a container opening, shaped to accommodatea closure.

“Sealing Gasket”—a liner applied between the sealing surface of acontainer lip and the closure. A sealing gasket provides a completeseal, and need not be attached or adhered to the closure.

“Glued-In Closure Liner”—a liner attached to the end wall inner surfaceof the closure by an adhesive, generally a hot melt adhesive.

“Induction Seal Liner”—a specialized laminate containing a metallic foiland a plastic heat sealable film, which is used to hermetically seal acontainer opening using induction sealing technology.

“Inlay”—an electromagnetic device comprising a microchip and an antennathat can be programmed with information to identify an item to which theinlay is attached, transmit such information to a receiver, and receiveadditional information during the operating life of the inlay. Alsoreferred to as an “RFID tag.”

“Inner Seal”—a liner of sealing material applied over the opening of acontainer prior to or during the installation of a closure forminimizing migration of a substance into or out of the container, ortampering with the contents of the container.

“Liner”—a layer of paper, cork, foam, plastic, metal, and the like,which may be retained in a closure, to provide a flexible insert betweenthe closure and the sealing surface of the container.

“Sealable Film”—a layer of material applied between the sealing surfaceof the container lip and an overlying liner or closure. A sealable filmcan be adhesively or thermally affixed to the sealing surface, and canbe incorporated into a liner stock. A sealable film can be an innerseal.

“Sealing Surface”—the lip portion of the finish that makes contact witha sealing gasket, a sealing film, or a liner, and forms a seal.

Referring now to the Figures, and initially to FIG. 1, a first exemplaryembodiment according to the invention is illustrated comprising acontainer assembly 10. The container assembly 10 can include a container12, and a closure assembly 14, including a reclosable protective closure15 adapted for coupling with the container 12. The closure assembly 14is exemplary, and can include alternative elements and/or configurationssuitable for a selected closure functionality. For example, the closureassembly can be configured for a single use or for repeated uses.

The container 12 can have an opening 16 for providing access to aninterior space 18, with a finish defined by a rim having a sealingsurface 20. The closure 15 can be configured for suitable registry withthe sealing surface 20 to facilitate sealing of the opening 16. Forexample, the closure 15 and container 12 can be adapted for threadablecoupling, snap-fit coupling, bayonet-type coupling, and the like.

The container 12 is illustrated as cylindrical, although it can have anyselected configuration, such as square, octagonal, and the like. Theclosure 15 is illustrated as cylindrical, although it also can have anyselected configuration, including a configuration complementary to thatof the container 12. Safety features can also be incorporated into theclosure 15 to prevent unintended opening by small children.

FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the closure assembly 14interposed between the closure 15 and the container 12. The closureassembly 14 can include an inner seal 21, comprising a sealable film 22aand a metallic foil 24 having a mounting tab 26, a radio frequencyidentification tag (hereinafter “RFID tag”) 25, and a fold-overisolation liner 40 somewhat analogous to a facing liner, for maintainingelectromagnetic separation of the RFID tag 25 from the metallic foil 24,as hereinafter described. The various elements comprising the closureassembly 14 can be configured based upon, for example, the item(s) to becontained, the environment in which the container will exist, the shelflife of the contents, protection against tampering, and the like.Closure assembly elements, such as a sealable film 22, a metallic foil24, an isolation liner 40, and other liners, can be fabricated of one ormore materials having properties suitable for the purposes intended,such as aluminum, paper, paperboard, cardboard, polymers, resins, andthe like.

The metallic foil 24 is bonded to the container opening 16 through thesealable film 22a. The sealable film 22a can comprise a bonding agent,such as a single or multiple constituent adhesive, which can be heatactivated, or activated during an induction sealing process, to bond themetallic foil 24 to the opening 16. The sealable film 22a can be acomponent separate from the metallic foil 24, or can extend along onesurface of the metallic foil 24.

An annular sealable film 22a extendable only along the sealing surface20 can be utilized with the metallic foil 24 or other selected liner.Alternatively, a circular sealable film 22b (FIG. 9) extendable alongthe sealing surface 20 and over the opening 16 can be utilized with themetallic foil 24 or other selected liner, with an annular portion of thecircular sealable film 22b along the perimeter of the metallic foil 24bondable to the sealing surface 20. The sealable film 22b can extendalong the undersurface 45 of the metallic foil 24 to attach the metallicfoil 24 to the sealing surface 20. References herein to a sealable film22 should be construed to encompass an annular sealable film 22a or acircular sealable film 22b, unless indicated otherwise.

To optimize manufacturing efficiencies, a sealable film can be laminatedto a metallic foil to form a sheet or roll stock. Individual liners canthen be cut from the stock for incorporation into a closure assembly.

The sealable film 22 and the metallic foil 24 can be attached to thesealing surface 20 by an induction heating process. Alternativeattachment methods, such as solvent-based adhesives, or hot platebonding using a heat-activated adhesive, can be utilized. The sealablefilm 22 can also be a material that is fusible with the sealing surface20, such as a thermoplastic or a thermoset, or a material facilitatinglaser welding, ultrasonic welding, induction welding, and the like.

The sealable film 22 can have dimensions complementary with the diameterand width of the sealing surface 20 for joining of the sealable film 22to the sealing surface 20. The sealable film/sealing surface joint canhave an in-place strength sufficient to prevent removal of the RFID tag25 without deformation or destruction thereof. Consequently, the RFIDtag 25 can be durably attached to the container 12 along the sealingsurface 20, thus resulting in a tamper-evident seal.

The mounting tab 26 can include an isolation channel 36 bifurcating thetab 26. The isolation channel 36 can be located anywhere in the mountingtab 26, but is shown as located along a generally longitudinallybilateral axis (not shown), defining 2 generally symmetrical tag fingers32, 34. The isolation channel 36 can have a preselected length,beginning generally, as shown in FIG. 2, at the ends of the tag fingers32, 34 and terminating to enable the microprocessor 27 to be attached ata preselected location 37 along the isolation channel 36. Part or all ofthe RFID tag 25 can have a multi-layer configuration including one ormore of a liner and/or a metallic foil having properties suitable for aselected container assembly configuration, a selected use environment,or selected contents.

The RFID tag 25 is illustrated in FIG. 2, and can comprise a generallycircular metallic foil 24 smoothly transitioning from a minor arc to aradially-outwardly disposed mounting tab 26. Both the metallic foil 24and the mounting tab 26 can be continuous, formed from the same foil,such as aluminum, having strength, durability, and electromagneticproperties suitable for the purposes described herein. The mounting tab26 can be foldable generally along the minor arc to overlie the metallicfoil 24.

The microprocessor 27 can be electromagnetically coupled to the mountingtab 26 through mounting contacts 28, 30, extending from themicroprocessor 27 to the tag fingers 32, 34, respectively. The mountingcontacts 28, 30 can be electromagnetically coupled to the metallic foilof the mounting tab 26 in a suitable manner, such as with a weldment,adhesives, and the like. The microprocessor 27 can be positioned withinthe isolation channel 36/37 to define a microprocessor bridge 38spanning the isolation channel 36. Except for the coupling of thecontacts 28, 30 with the tag fingers 32, 34, the microprocessor 27 canbe electromagnetically isolated from the tag fingers 32, 34, and themetallic foil 24. Consequently, the metallic foil 24 and mounting tab 26can comprise an antenna for the microprocessor 27, electromagneticallyisolated from the microprocessor 27 except through the mounting contacts28, 30.

The microprocessor 27 can have suitable storage capacity and performancecharacteristics for the purposes described herein. The microprocessor 27can be programmable for tracking containers and providing informationconcerning the products carried therein, such as the name of theproduct, its location and date of manufacture, an expiration date, anidentification number, and the like, that can be of significance to amanufacturer, transporter, distributor, wholesaler, retailer, orconsumer. The microprocessor 27 can be selectively actuatable by radiofrequency signals from a transmitter (not shown) configured for suchpurpose, including a mobile handheld transmitter, or a stationarytransmitter. The microprocessor 27 can receive data from a transmitter,which the microprocessor 27 can store, such as updates to thecontainer's location, the location and/or identity of the partycurrently in possession of the container, the current time and date, andthe like. Radio frequency signals from a transmitter can also actuatethe microprocessor 27, which can, in response, send data stored thereinto a receiver (not shown) via radio frequency signals.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the fold-over isolation liner 40 can be agenerally circular, disc-like body fabricated of a material, such as aclosed-cell foam, providing electromagnetic insulative properties. Theisolation liner 40 is shown in FIG. 1 intermediate the RFID tag 25 andthe closure 15. The fold-over isolation liner 40 can be disposed over,and in unattached contact with, an upper surface of the metallic foil24. Alternatively, the isolation liner 40 can be attached to themetallic foil 24 through an adhesive or other suitable means to maintainthe isolation liner 40 in a selected position relative to the metallicfoil 24. With either configuration, the mounting tab 26 can be foldedover the isolation liner 40 to extend along a fold-over surface 41 ofthe isolation liner 40, maintaining electromagnetic isolation of themicroprocessor 27 relative to the antenna/metallic foil 24. The closure15 can be attached over the isolation liner 40, the RFID tag 25, and theopening 16 to protect the RFID tag 25 during shipping and handling.

The microprocessor 27, in the above-described configuration, can befully functional due to its electromagnetic isolation from the metallicfoil 24 beginning with the time the closure assembly 14 is installed tothe container 12 until the RFID tag 25 is removed. The RFID tag 25 canbe removed from the container 12 after removal of the closure 15, andthen discarded, by utilizing the mounting tab 26 as a pull tab. Shouldan end-user remove the closure 15 to discover that the RFID tag 25 hasbeen disturbed or removed, the end-user can be alerted that the contentsof the container assembly 10 may have been tampered with, and advised totake appropriate action.

The RFID tag 25 can provide several necessary functions in a singlesealing device. The opening 16 can be overlain in its entirety by ametallic foil 24, thereby providing a seal that is virtually impermeableto liquids and gases. The shelf life of the contents of a containerassembly incorporating a metallic foil can therefore be substantiallyincreased over that of a container assembly incorporating a polymericfilm. The metallic foil 24 can be readily attached to the sealingsurface 20 through one of several methods. At the same time, the RFIDtag 25 can be available to provide critical information about thecontents, such as the manufacturer, age, contents, visual description,and the like, utilizing transmitters and receivers. Moreover, themounting tab 26 can serve as a pull tab, enabling a consumer to readilygain access to the contents of the container assembly 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a second exemplary embodiment of aclosure assembly 14 and an RFID tag 25 are illustrated. The secondembodiment of the RFID tag 25 is identical to the first embodiment, butthe mounting tab 26 can be folded under the metallic foil 24 and,consequently, utilizes a fold-under isolation liner 42. The fold-underisolation liner 42 can serve generally the same purpose as the fold-overisolation liner 40 and can be fabricated of the same material as thefold-over isolation liner 40. However, the fold-under isolation liner 42can have a diameter no larger than the inner diameter of the sealingsurface 20 to avoid interfering with the adhesion of the sealable film22 to the sealing surface 20.

The fold-under isolation liner 42 can be affixed to the underside of themetallic foil 24 and/or the sealable film 22, thereby defining afold-under surface 43. The mounting tab 26 can then be folded under thefold-under isolation liner 42 to extend along the fold-under surface 43.Subsequently, the metallic foil 24 and attached isolation liner 42 canbe sealed to the sealing surface 20, with the mounting tab 26 extendableinto the interior space 18. The closure 15 can be attached over thefold-under isolation liner 42, the RFID tag 25, and the opening 16, toprovide enhanced protection for the RFID tag 25.

The configuration of the mounting tab 26 can be as disclosed for thefirst embodiment RFID tag 25. The metallic foil 24 and mounting tab 26can perform as an antenna for the microprocessor 27, which can beisolated from the metallic foil 24 by the fold-under isolation liner 42,except through the mounting contacts 28, 30.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a third exemplary embodiment of a closureassembly 14, including an RFID tag 25, generally as described for thefirst exemplary embodiment, and a fold-under isolation pad 44. Thefold-under isolation pad 44 is illustrated as comprising a rectilinear“patch” affixed to the underside 45 of the metallic foil 24, and isutilized in place of the fold-under isolation liner 42. The fold-underisolation pad 44 can have a size and configuration sufficient to isolatethe microprocessor 27 from the metallic foil 24 when the mounting tab 26is folded under. Optionally, the isolation pad 44 can be affixed to theupper side of the metallic foil 24 as a “fold-over” isolation pad (notshown). The pad 44 can also take any shape, regular or irregular, anythickness, or any position on the metallic foil 24, consistent with thefunctional and operational characteristics of an isolation liner asdescribed herein.

The mounting tab 26 and RFID tag 25 can be folded so that themicroprocessor 27 is in contact with a fold-under pad surface 47 of theisolation pad 44 and thereby electromagnetically isolated from themetallic foil 24. The attachment of the isolation pad 44 to theunderside of the metallic foil 24 can be accomplished during fabricationof the RFID tag 25, as opposed to incorporating the isolation pad 44into the RFID tag 25 as a separate component of the closure assembly 14.The relatively small footprint of the isolation pad 44 can facilitateattachment of the metallic foil 24 to the sealing surface 20, and thefabrication of the closure assembly 14, by reducing the potential forcontact of the isolation pad 44 with the sealable film 22.

The isolation pad 44, whether used as a fold-under or a fold-overisolation pad, can also serve as a label for displaying information,such as dosage instructions, to a consumer who might overlook the sameinformation on the side of the container assembly 10.

FIG. 7 illustrates a fourth exemplary embodiment of an RFID tag 46 thatcan be identical to the RFID tag 25 except for a pair of opposed tabnotches 60 along the lateral edges of the mounting tab 26. A tear line63 can connect the notches 60 to define a tear-off tab 62 comprising anend portion of the mounting tab 26 having the microprocessor 27. Thiscan facilitate removal of the microprocessor 27 from the remainder ofthe RFID tag 46, thereby deactivating the RFID tag 46. The mounting tab26 can be placed in a folded-over or folded-under configuration aspreviously described herein. Alternatively, the mounting tab 26 canextend along the interface between the container 12 and the closure 15to project along the side of the container 12 away from the closure 15,thereby facilitating removal of the tear-off tab 62 prior to the initialremoval of the closure 15. Thus, the tear-off tab 62 can be removed by aconsumer immediately upon acquiring the container assembly 10 andproduct contained therein. The tear-off tab 62 can be protected by anoverlying wrapper (not shown) attached to or enclosing at least aportion of the container 12, which can be readily removed by a consumerto access the tear-off tab 62.

FIG. 8 illustrates a fifth exemplary embodiment of an RFID tag 64 thatcan include a semicircular pull tab 48 coupled with a metallic foil 24.The metallic foil 24 can be affixed to the sealing surface 20 of acontainer opening 16 through a sealable film 22 as previously describedherein. The metallic foil 24 can be coupled with the pull tab 48 toenable the pull tab 48 to be folded over the metallic foil 24 incomplementary disposition therewith. The pull tab 48 can include anisolation channel 54 to accommodate a microprocessor bridge 56. Adisc-like fold-over isolation liner 58 having suitable electromagneticinsulation properties, size, configuration, and thickness, can beaffixed to the upper surface of the metallic foil 24 so that the pulltab 48 and the microprocessor 27 can be folded over the isolation liner58 adjacent, yet separated from, the metallic foil 24.

The pull tab 48 and metallic foil 24 can act as an antenna in a mannersimilar to that disclosed relative to the first embodiment. Thus, a pulltab 48, including an electromagnetically isolated microprocessor bridge56, can be part of a seal that can be readily removed from the container12, while operating as an RFID tag.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a sixth exemplary embodiment of a closureassembly 14 according to the invention is illustrated. The sixthembodiment is similar to the previously described embodiments, andincludes the container 12, the closure 15, a sealable film 22b (theillustrated sealable films 22a, 22b can be utilized in the alternative),the metallic foil 24, a pull-tab liner 76, and a backing liner 78, alsoreferred to as a “wad.” The closure assembly 14 can include differentelements than shown in FIG. 9 depending upon, for example, factors suchas the pertinent properties of the item(s) to be contained, and the type(e.g. moisture, tampering) and degree of protection specified.

The pull-tab liner 76 can comprise a multi-layered liner incorporating apull-tab 82 for grasping by a user to remove the closure assembly 14 andgain access to the interior space 18 of the container 12. The pull-tabliner 76 can be interlayered with the sealable film 22 and the metallicfoil 24. Alternatively, the metallic foil and sealable film can beintegrated into the pull-tab liner 76 to form a unitary liner havingboth pull-tab and sealing functionalities. The metallic foil 24 can beomitted and replaced with an alternate material, such as the backingliner 78, a facing liner, or an inner seal, if tampering is a concernbut exposure of the contents of the container to fluids is not. Thebacking liner in 78 can be disposed between the pull-tab liner 76 andthe closure 15. The backing liner 78 can be fixedly incorporated intothe closure 15 separate from the remaining elements of the closureassembly 14.

Referring also to FIG. 13, the pull-tab liner 76 with an incorporatedRFID tag 80 can be manufactured from a sheet stock or roll stockmaterial 84. The stock material 84 can be supplied in rolls or sheetssuitable for a continuous manufacturing process, and can include one ormore of a substrate 86, which can selectively serve as an inner seal orliner, a sealable film material 88 underlying the substrate 86, and apull-tab ribbon 90, layered together. The manufacturing process caninclude an RFID antenna production step, and a “flip chip” bonding stepto couple microprocessors with antennas to produce an inlays or RFIDtags 80. The process can also include a laminating step to laminate theRFID tags 80 to products.

The RFID antenna production step can include one of several processes,such as copper or aluminum etching, or silver ink printing utilizingscreen printing, flexographic printing, gravure printing, or ink jetprinting, on the substrate 86. Antennas can also be produced byelectroless plating, utilizing screen printing, flexographic printing,gravure printing, or ink jet printing, to print a catalyst ink on asubstrate 86, then depositing conductive metal onto the catalytic ink byelectroless plating.

Antennas can be produced by electroplating, utilizing screen,flexographic, gravure, or ink jet printing, to print a conductive ink ona substrate 86, then electroplating conductive metal onto the conductiveink. The antenna production step can be followed by the “flip chip”bonding step, to provide regularly-spaced RFID tags 80 incorporated intothe stock material 84.

A pull-tab ribbon 90 of material, such as a polymer, a paper/polymercomposite, a metallic/polymer composite, and the like, having a widthsomewhat less than the width of the substrate 86, can be alignedlongitudinally with the substrate 86 and sealed to the substrate 86 toform a pull-tab 82 able to rotate longitudinally about a pull-tab hingeline 50 away from the substrate 86, as shown in FIG. 10. Alternatively,the pull-tab ribbon 90 can have a width equal to the width of thesubstrate 86, with ½ the width of the pull-tab ribbon 90 longitudinallyattached to the substrate 86 to form the hinged pull-tab 82. In eithercase, RFID tags can be attached to sheet stock or roll stock material84, such as the pull-tab ribbon 90, instead of the substrate material.The pull-tab ribbon 90 with attached RFID tags 80 can be combined withthe substrate 86, or can be supplied to a seal manufacturer, a closuremanufacturer, a liner fabricator, a filling operation, and the like, forincorporation into a closure assembly.

The regularly-spaced RFID tags 80 can be incorporated into the pull-tabribbon 90 prior to or generally contemporaneously with the attachment ofthe pull-tab ribbon 90 to the substrate 86. The RFID tags 80 can beattached to the top side or underside of the pull-tab ribbon 90 to forma hinged pull-tab 82 having an RFID tag 80, as shown in FIG. 11.Alternatively, the RFID tags 80 can be incorporated into the top side ofthe substrate 86.

In a seventh exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 12, the pull-tabribbon 90 can comprise a double layer including a top liner 94 and aseparate bottom liner 96 attached to the substrate 86 to form a hingedpull-tab 98. The top liner 94 and the bottom liner 96 can be separatelyrotated about the hinge line 50.

During the fabrication process, the top and bottom liners 94, 96 can beseparated to enable the RFID tags 80 to be inserted therebetween,corresponding to the selected location of the RFID tags 80 in thefinished pull-tab 82. Subsequent sealing of the top liner 94 to thebottom liner 96 can enclose the RFID tags 80 within the pull-tab ribbon90.

The pull-tab 82 can alternatively include a combined hinge and tear lineto enable selective removal of the pull-tab 82, and the incorporatedRFID tag 80, from the pull-tab liner 76. Subsequently, individualclosure assemblies 14 of a preselected configuration can be separatedfrom the stock material 84 through methods, such as punching as shown inFIG. 13, laser cutting, and the like.

Alternatively, the RFID tag 80 can be inserted between any two of theseveral layers comprising the closure assembly 14, such as between thepull-tab liner 76 and the backing liner 78, between the backing liner 78and the closure end wall inner surface, between a facing liner and thebacking liner 78, and the like.

In an eighth exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, anRFID closure assembly 110 includes an RFID tag assembly 112 having anRFID tag 120 mounted to an RFID hang tab 114. The RFID hang tab 114 canbe suspended from an attachment liner, such as the backing liner 78, themetallic foil 24, or another suitable liner, as a pull-tab-likeappendage extending downwardly into the interior space 18. FIG. 14illustrates the RFID closure assembly 110 as including a closure 15, abacking liner 78, an RFID tag assembly 112, and an inner seal 21comprising a metallic foil 24 and a sealable film 22.

The exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15 can be manufactured andutilized in the same general manner as the embodiments illustrated inthe previously-referenced Figures. The hang tab 114 can have anysuitable configuration such as semicircular, or strap-like, suspendedfrom the center of the attachment liner or from another selectedlocation on the attachment liner. In this embodiment, a separate pulltab in general accordance with the previously described pull-tabs can beincorporated, or not, into the closure assembly 110.

The backing liner 78 can be a material as previously described herein,suitable for repeatedly sealing a container opening 16 after the closure15 has been first removed by an end-user, and the contents of thecontainer initially accessed. The backing liner 78 can comprise a foam,or other resilient, compressible material, suitable for sealing thecontainer opening 16 after the closure 15 has been reattached. Thebacking liner 78 can be frictionally or mechanically engaged with thetop of the closure 15, including using an adhesive.

The exemplary RFID tag assembly 112 is illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 asa somewhat T-shaped hang tab 114 and an RFID tag 120. The RFID tag 120can include a microprocessor and an antenna generally as previouslydescribed herein. The hang tab 114 can comprise a polymeric materialhaving properties suitable for the purposes described herein, such asradio-frequency transparency, strength, electrical insulation/isolation,and the like. Alternatively, the hang tab 114 can comprise a metallicfoil integrated generally as previously described herein with amicroprocessor, with suitable isolation of the microprocessor from thehang tab 114, also generally as previously described herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the hang tab 114 can comprise an elongatedstrap 116 accommodating a pair of intermediate fold lines and 130, 134,and a medial fold line 132, extending transverse to the longitudinalaxis of the strap 116. The fold lines 130, 132, 134 enable the strap 116to be folded into the hang tab 114 shown in FIG. 14, and define a pairof center panels 122, 124 between the medial fold line 132 andintermediate fold lines 130, 134, and a pair of outer panels 126, 128between the intermediate fold lines 130, 134 and the ends of the RFIDstrap 116. The joined center panels 122, 124 can define an RFID envelope136 for holding the RFID tag 120. The joined center panels 122, 124 canalso define an attachment flange 138 for attaching the hang tab 114from, as an example, the backing liner 78.

Prior to folding the RFID strap 116, the RFID tag 120 can be sandwichedbetween the 2 center panels 122, 124, which can be suitably joinedtogether, such as by an adhesive to form the RFID envelope 136.Enclosing the RFID tag 120 in the RFID envelope 136 can provideprotection to the RFID tag 120. The RFID tag 120 can be electricallycoupled with one or both of the center panels 122, 124 so that one orboth center panels can serve as a radio-frequency or high frequencyantenna.

With the RFID strap 116 folded into the T-shaped configuration, anadhesive can be applied to the attachment flange 138 for attaching theRFID tag assembly 112 to a suitable surface, such as the backing liner78. The RFID tag assembly 112 can be attached to the backing liner 78either before or after the backing liner 78 is joined to the closure 15.With either process, the metallic foil 24 and sealable film 22 can bejoined to the closure 15 as with the backing liner 78. Prior to addingthe metallic foil 24 and sealable film 22, the RFID envelope 136 can befolded against the backing liner 78, or the closed end of the closure15, thereby sandwiching the RFID envelope 136 between the backing liner78 or closure end and the metallic foil 24 when the closure 15 istightened onto the container 12.

Other configurations of an RFID hang tab can be utilized. For example,the strap can have a single fold line dividing the strap into a pair ofpanels (not shown) disposed in an L-shape to define an attachment flangeand an RFID tag carrier. The attachment flange can be provided with anadhesive for attaching the RFID hang tab to a backing disc, and the RFIDtag carrier can support an RFID tag, and can be adapted as an antenna aspreviously described herein. The closure assembly described hereinenables the RFID tag to be incorporated into the closure assembly at arelatively early stage in the manufacturing process, which can enhanceefficiency and thereby contribute to lower cost and improvements inquality control.

In a ninth exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 16, the RFID tag120 can be attached to the metallic foil 24 and/or sealable film 22,rather than the backing liner 78, to extend into the container 12 whenthe RFID closure assembly 110 has been attached over the containeropening 16. Alternatively, the RFID tag 120 can be inserted between themetallic foil 24 and sealable film 22. In either configuration, themicroprocessor 27 must be electrically insulated/isolated from themetallic foil 24.

Alternatively, an RFID tag can be incorporated into a backing discduring manufacture of the backing disc. Backing discs can bemanufactured from a stock material already supplied with RFID tags. RFIDtags can be added to a stock material immediately prior to or afterseparating the backing discs from the stock material. An RFID tag can beattached to a surface of a backing disc, such as a surface engaging theclosed end of a closure, or incorporated into the interior of a backingdisc, such as in a pocket formed in the backing disc or between layersof a laminated backing disc.

Moreover, an RFID tag can be added to a closure, for example affixed tothe closed end of the closure, after manufacture of the closure butprior to the addition of a backing liner or inner seal. The RFID tag canthus be concealed by the backing liner or inner seal. If the reclosablecontainer is to hold pharmaceuticals that may be eroded or fracturedduring handling, an RFID tag can be incorporated into the cushioningmaterial that is inserted into the container and occupies the spacebetween the product and the closure assembly.

The closure assembly is advantageous in that it can be readilymanufactured, with the RFID tag incorporated into the closure assemblyduring production of the closure assembly, or at some other time andlocation. For example, sealing of the container can be expected to occurafter filling the container with a selected product. Thus, the closureassembly and container can be fabricated, stored, and transportedseparately until after the filling step.

RFID tags can be incorporated into a closure assembly during any ofseveral process steps, such as during the manufacture of the closureassembly, or the filling and sealing of the container. Factors such asthe production of reclosable containers both with and without RFID tags,the information to be stored and transmitted by an RFID tag, the stageat which information is available for storage on an RFID tag, thepreferred configuration of an RFID tag as incorporated into a closureassembly and container, and the like, can give rise to a need forflexibility in the incorporation of an RFID tag into a reclosablecontainer. Fabrication, encoding, and incorporation of an RFID tag canbe controlled by an entity other than the closure assembly manufacturer,such as a product manufacturer or a container filler, and at an optimalstep in the process, such as at the time that the container is filled.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary process of fabricating, filling, andsealing a container having an RFID closure assembly. In this process,closures are prepared in step 144, backing is prepared in step 146, anda seal assembly is prepared in step 148. The steps 144, 146, 148 canproceed in parallel. The closure and backing can be assembled in ajoining step 150. If no RFID tag is to be utilized, the closure assemblyand closure can be assembled in a joining step 152, followed by orduring a container filling step 154, and followed by assembly of thefilled container and closure assembly in a joining step 156. Ifinduction sealing is to be utilized, this can occur in a sealing step160.

If an RFID tag is to be utilized, after the joining step 150 the RFIDtag can be attached to the backing in an RFID joining step 158. This canbe followed by the joining step 152, the filling step 154, and theclosure joining step 156. The process is completed by the sealing step160. A closure manufacturer can implement the steps 144, 146, 148, 150,and 152. Step 158 can also be implemented by a closure manufacturer.Otherwise, the RFID tag can be added by an RFID supplier, or by aproduct manufacturer, product filler, or product distributor.

The addition of an RFID tag to a closure assembly can occur in analternative sequence of steps suitable for a selected process ofmanufacturing a product, fabricating closure assemblies and containers,filling containers with a product, and distributing filled containers.For example, an RFID tag can be added to the backing during preparationof the backing, prior to joining the backing with the closure.

FIG. 18 illustrates another exemplary process of fabricating, filling,and sealing a container having an RFID closure assembly. The processillustrated in FIG. 18 is similar to that illustrated in FIG. 17.However, prior to joining the closure and backing in step 150, the RFIDtag is attached to the backing disc in an RFID attachment. Step 158.This is followed by joining the closure assembly and backing disc in ajoining step 150, and joining the closure assembly and closure assemblyin a joining step 152. The process can culminate in a container fillingstep 154, a closure joining step 156, and a sealing step 160.

FIG. 19 illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of an RFID closureassembly according to the invention. The embodiment of FIG. 19 includesa container 12, the closure 15, a backing liner 78, an inlay including amicroprocessor 27 electrically coupled with an antenna 52, and a pair ofmetallic foils 24, each generally as previously described herein. Themetallic foils 24 can be sealed together along a lower glue line 70 andan upper glue line 72, leaving a center pocket. The inlay can beinserted between the metallic foils 24 prior to sealing so that theinlay is retained within the center pocket. Based upon factors such asthe size and configuration of the antenna, the frequency at which theinlay operates, e.g. LF, HF and UHF, characteristics of thetransmitter/reader, whether the inlay is active or passive, and thelike, electromagnetic interference from contact of the inlay with eithermetallic foil 24 can be minimized or eliminated.

Alternatively, one or more electromagnetically neutral linings can beretained between the metallic foils 24 to enclose the inlay and isolatethe inlay from the metallic foils 24. The metallic foils 24 can alsoenclose the inlay without being sealed together, thereby enabling theinlay to “float” between the metallic foils 24.

In another alternate configuration, the metallic foils can be fabricatedto be thicker than the heretofore described metallic foils 24, even tothe extent of being essentially inflexible. The metallic foils can becast rather than drawn or rolled, and can be fabricated such that theinlay is incorporated during the casting process. The performance of theinlay can, as described above, can be optimized based upon the size andconfiguration of the antenna, the frequency at which the inlay operates,characteristics of the transmitter/reader, whether the inlay is activeor passive, properties of the metallic foils, and the like.

FIG. 20 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an RFID closureassembly according to the invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 20, thecontainer assembly 10 is shown as closed, with only the container 12 andclosure 15 visible. An inlay including a microprocessor 27 and anantenna 52 is positioned on the end wall of the closure 15. Thecontainer assembly 10 includes an exterior seal 100 extending over atleast a portion of the container assembly 10, such as the closure 15 andan upper part of the container 12. The exterior seal 100 can include asuitable material, such as a shrink wrap. With this exemplaryembodiment, the inlay can be attached to the closure 15, or thecontainer 12, provided it is overlaid by the exterior seal 100.Alternatively, the inlay can be incorporated into the exterior seal 100to be positioned at a selected location relative to the containerassembly 10. The exterior seal 100 and inlay can be configured so that,when the exterior seal 100 is removed, the inlay can be removed alongwith it, and thus disposed, thereby eliminating potential privacyconcerns. An internal inlay can also be incorporated into the closureassembly as previously described herein, so that if the exterior seal100 and inlay are removed, the internal inlay will remain with thecontainer assembly 10.

An RFID tag can be incorporated into the container assembly 10 at arelatively early stage in a distribution process, and can increaseefficiencies of production/fabrication, thereby contributing to lowerconsumer costs and enhancing quality control.

While the invention has been specifically described in connection withcertain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that thisis by way of illustration and not of limitation. Reasonable variationand modification are possible within the scope of the forgoingdisclosure and drawings without departing from the spirit of theinvention which is defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A closure assembly for a container defining aninterior volume, an opening into said interior volume, and a sealingsurface bordering said opening, will with a closure, including an endwall with an end wall inner surface, said closure being attachable overa container opening for closing thereof; an inner seal comprising asealable film laminated to a metallic foil, said inner seal including afirst surface for sealing engagement with a container sealing surface,and a second, opposed surface for non-sealing engagement with one of abacking liner, a facing liner, and a glued-in closure liner; and a radiofrequency identification tag including a microprocessor electricallycoupled with an antenna for receiving, storing, and transmittingselected digitized information; wherein said inner seal minimizesmigration of fluids between a container interior volume and an exteriorof a container when said inner seal is sealingly engaged with acontainer sealing surface; and an isolation device wherein said radiofrequency identification tag is includable in said closure assemblywithout said closure assemblymicroprocessor is electromagneticallyinterfering withisolated from said metallic foil to minimizeelectromagnetic interference with said receiving, storing, ortransmitting of said digitized information.
 2. A closure assembly as setforth in claim 1 wherein said inner seal further isolation deviceincludes a tab coextensively appended thereto to said inner seal.
 3. Aclosure assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said tab extendsradially therefrom.
 4. A closure assembly as set forth in claim 2wherein a first surface of said tab is coextensive with said firstsurface of said inner seal, and a second surface of said tab iscoextensive with said second surface of said inner seal.
 5. A closureassembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said tab is foldable alongeither said first surface or said second surface of said inner seal. 6.A closure assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said inner sealcomprises an induction seal liner including an impermeable metallicfoil.
 7. A closure assembly as set forth in claim 6, and furthercomprising wherein said isolation device comprises anelectromagnetically insulative liner disposed against either said firstsurface or said second surface to electromagnetically isolate said radiofrequency identification tag microprocessor from said inner seal.
 8. Aclosure assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said microprocessor isattached to said tab.
 9. A closure assembly as set forth in claims 8wherein said tab and at least part of said inner seal comprise saidantenna.
 10. A closure assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein said tabis longitudinally bifurcated into 2 parallel fingers for attachment ofsaid microprocessor therebetween.
 11. A closure assembly as set forth inclaim 10, and further comprising an electromagnetically insulative linerdisposed against either said first surface or said second surface toelectromagnetically isolate said microprocessor from said inner seal.12. A closure assembly as set forth in claim 1, and further includingwherein said isolation device includes a pull-tab liner hingedlylaminated to said metallic foil for facilitating removal of said innerseal from said sealing surface.
 13. A closure assembly as set forth inclaim 12 wherein a portion of said pull-tab liner can be hingedlyseparated from a portion of said metallic foil.
 14. A closure assemblyas set forth in claim 13 wherein said portion of said pull-tab linerincludes an upper surface and a lower surface, and said radio frequencyidentification tag is attachable to either said upper surface or saidlower surface.
 15. A closure assembly as set forth in claim 13, andfurther including a radio frequency identification tag protection linerhingedly disposed against said pull-tab liner for emplacement of saidradio-frequency identification tag therebetween.
 16. A closure assemblyas set forth in claim 15 wherein a perimeter of said radio frequencyidentification tag protection liner can be fixedly attached along aperimeter of said pull-tab liner to seal said radio frequencyidentification tag therebetween.
 17. A closure assembly as set forth inclaim 1, and further comprising a hang tab attachable to said inner sealfor suspending said radio frequency identification tag in said containerinterior volume.
 18. A closure assembly as set forth in claim 17 whereinsaid hang tab is attachable to one of said inner seal first surface orsaid inner seal second surface.
 19. A closure assembly as set forth inclaim 1, and further comprising a backing liner disposed against saidclosure end wall inner surface wherein said radio frequencyidentification tag is attachable to said backing liner.
 20. A closureassembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein at least part of said innerseal comprises said antenna.
 21. A closure assembly as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said inner seal comprises a pair of metallic foils. 22.A closure assembly as set forth in claim 21 wherein said radio frequencyidentification tag is interposed between said pair of metallic foils.23. A container assembly comprising: a container having an interiorvolume and an opening into the interior volume defined by a rim having asealing surface, a reclosable protective closure covering the openingand configured for suitable registry with the sealing surface tofacilitate sealing of the opening, an exterior seal extending over thereclosable protective closure and at least an upper part of thecontainer to minimize migration of content in the interior volume to anexterior of the container and contaminants from the exterior to contentin the interior volume, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tagincluding a programmable microprocessor electromagnetically coupled withan antenna for receiving, storing, and transmitting digitizedinformation, wherein the RFID tag is mounted between the exterior sealand one of the container or the reclosable protective closure whereinthe programmable microprocessor is electromagnetically isolated tominimize electromagnetic interference with the receiving, storing, andtransmitting of the digitized information.
 24. A container assembly asset forth in claim 23 wherein the RFID tag is an inlay including themicroprocessor and the antenna.
 25. A container assembly as set forth inclaim 23 wherein the exterior seal is a shrink wrap.
 26. A containerassembly as set forth in claim 23 wherein the RFID tag is attached toone of the closure, container, or exterior seal.
 27. A containerassembly as set forth in claim 23 further comprising an internal inlayincorporated into one of the closure or container that remains with theone of the closure or container if the exterior seal and RFID tag areremoved.